“caring for my father required me to lift him each day. as he declined, lifting and moving him became more difficult, and i soon developed chronic back pain. some days, i could hardly move, only through your yoga classes was i able to relieve and manage the pain, eventually virtually eliminating it as my body became stronger.

sarahjoy, i have been privileged to study with a number of excellent yoga teachers over the years. you are the best that i have encountered. not only do you possess superior skill and knowledge, but you continue to grow because of your constant questioning and desire to learn new aspects of your art. in addition, your commitment to karma yoga is truly inspiring. now that i have completed my duty to my father, i find myself thinking out ways in which i can begin to follow your example of loving kindness in my own life.

i will always be grateful to you, jim and your staff at amrita. thank you.”

***

“although i have not been able to be physically present at amrita for several months, i have continued to listen to your dharma study group on mp3 and read your monthly blog. surprisingly, this connection with your teachings has resonated in my own life. in a sense, i have continued to travel along side you in my own spiritual journey.

for the first time in my 52 years i wake up each morning graciously (okay, maybe not always) honoring the natural rhythms of life. sometimes i stay beneath my hungarian goose down comforter and flannel sheets and listen to my breath and feel every inch of my body (including any pain) as i also tune into the sounds of nature waking outside of my window. then i continue this gentle flow as i ease into my yoga practice. it wasn’t that long ago that i couldn’t even pace my breathing in your studio without such a struggle or identify and feel a particular muscle. but thanks to your wise words, i am making it. through dedication and commitment, each cell in my body and spirit is slowly and surely returning home.

i simply wanted to take a moment to thank you for your dedication and special work that inspires others. i am grateful for your gifts, which sparked the first molecule of energy and subsequently created a chain reaction that has led me to be more present.”